The Pediocactus nigrispinus, commonly known as the Columbia Plateau cactus, snowball cactus, basalt cactus, or hedgehog cactus, grows in lowland and montane sagebrush deserts throughout Eastern Oregon, West-central Idaho, and Central and Eastern Washington. Specifically, the Columbia Plateau cactus is found in the Washington counties of Chelan, Kittitas, Yakima, Douglas, and Grant. The Columbia Plateau cactus flowers from April to July and typically produces pink flowers. However, it may also produce purple, white, peach, or yellow flowers. The Columbia Plateau cactus reaches heights between 5 and 30 centimeters and diameters spanning 5 to 15 centimeters. This cactus is characterized by a dense arrangement of 6 to 12 central spines measuring 15 to 35 millimeters in length and showcasing colors ranging from brown to reddish black. The cactus receives its taxonomic name from its reddish black spines.
There are three other native cacti species in Washington: the Opuntia columbiana, the Opuntia polyacantha, and the Opuntia fragilis, which is known as the brittle prickly pear.
Washington has an official state tree, the western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla); an official state grass, bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum); and an official state flower, the coastal rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum).
The Columbia Plateau cactus (Pediocactus nigrispinus) is designated as the official cactus of the State of Washington.
(In support) This proposal was brought forward by students in Kittitas County; it is important to teach young people about civic engagement. This cactus is found in only a few ecosystems and counties. The ecosystems where this cactus is found are fragile. Washington's natural areas need to be protected as they are disappearing over time because of wildfires and land cultivation. This would draw attention to the challenges facing Washington's habitats and support the study of natural history and the imperiled stretches of habitat. Some people are not aware that Washington has native cactus species. It is important to promote native species, support conservation efforts to protect the state's native cactus species, and provide education on the state's native species. There is a problem with plant collectors removing these cacti from their natural environment. The designation would provide extra incentive for land managers to provide opportunities for the public to view the plant responsibly. This cactus attracts bees, which benefits farmers and agricultural communities. This bill has no fiscal impact.
(Opposed) None.
Senator Judy Warnick, prime sponsor; Adam Fyall, Benton County; Students of the Discovery Lab of Ellensburg, Discovery Lab of Ellensburg; Pan Kantiyavong, City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department - Volunteer Park Conservatory; Theresa Oyoung, President, Cascade Cactus and Succulent Society (CCSS); Ron Bockelman; Kai Reising; and Denise Mahnke, Washington Native Plant Society.